KINGSTON, Jamaica — Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Olivia Grange this afternoon expressed condolences at the passing of Jamaican boxing pioneer, Bunny Grant.

“Long before Lennox Lewis, before Mike McCallum, before Shrimpy Clarke, there was Bunny Grant,” Grange said in a release from her ministry.

“We will forever remember his victory over Dave Charnley, the Commonwealth Lightweight Champion, at the National Stadium on August 4, 1962 — just two days before Jamaica’s Independence Day. The happy impact of that victory on the entire country is a feeling I can never forget,” Grange said.

The minister added that Grant’s passion and humility endeared him to all.

“We all followed and celebrated with him throughout his 19-year career. Each of his victories was a victory for the Jamaican people.

“I am always proud to speak about Bunny Grant; and I was honoured as the Minister to ensure that he was able to spend his final days in comfort. We have lost a great champion.”

In October 2017, the minister presented the former boxing champion with the keys to his newly refurbished home.

The refurbishing project was undertaken by the Sports Development Foundation as part of the Jamaica 55 celebrations.

Born George Leslie Grant on September 29, 1940, he fought as a featherweight /super featherweight/light welterweight/welterweight and light middleweight boxer during the 1950s, 1960s and 1970.

Grant won the Jamaican lightweight title, Jamaican welterweight title, Central American light welterweight title, Latin American junior welterweight title and the British Commonwealth lightweight title.

Balford Henry